SWINDON College pupils paid respects to former students who lost their lives in the First World War at a special ceremony yesterday.

A commemorative stained glass window in the college's Learning and Development Centre was originally installed in the old building but was moved to the new campus' in 2010.

A plaque incorporated into the stained glass of the window lists the names of former Swindon College students who lost their lives during the First World War.

Their names are read out by current students each year as part of a memorial in front of the window by our public services students.

Jamie Rice, public services lecturer, said: "This gives the students an opportunity to demonstrate self-discipline and respect for men and women who serve and have served their country.

"We hold the commemoration in the centre because of the significance the stained-glass window, which is dedicated to past students who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"We were very pleased staff and students joined us to pay our respects."

Harold Billett was one of the names read out at the service - he has no known grave.

He died during a night attack in 1916, when his platoon traversed a rain-soaked and crater-filled battlefield near Eaucourt l’Abbaye but never made it to the German lines.